State Of Washington v. David Haviland ( 2015 )

COURT OF APPEALS
G1V! SIO1,4 IT
2015 MAR - 3
At1 8: 3
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHM rt" TON
DIVISION II
E3 Y ilk
STATE OF WASHINGTON, No. 45048 -8 -II
Respondent,
v.
DAVID CHRISTOPHER HAVILAND, PUBLISHED IN PART OPINION
Appellant.
SUTTON, J. — David Christopher Haviland appeals his bench trial convictions and
sentences for two counts of second degree child rape, RCW 9A.44. 076, and three counts of third
degree child rape, RCW 9A.44. 079. He argues that his second degree child rape convictions must
be reversed because the bill that amended RCW 9A.44. 076, Second Substitute Senate Bill 6259,
51St
Leg., Reg. Sess. ( Wash. 1990) ( 2SSB 6259), is unconstitutional. We hold that the second
degree rape of a child statute codified in RCW 9A.44. 076 does not violate article II, section 19' s
single- subject or subject -in -title requirements. In the unpublished portion of the opinion, we
address and reject Haviland' s remaining arguments. We affirm his convictions and sentences.
FACTS
The State charged Haviland with two counts of second degree child rape ( Counts I and II);
and three counts of third degree child rape ( Counts III, IV, and V). All counts included a domestic
violence enhancement. After a bench trial, the trial court found Haviland guilty as charged and
sentenced him to an exceptional sentence totaling 340 months. Haviland appeals his convictions
and sentences.
No. 45048 -8 -II
ANALYSIS
Haviland argues that 2SSB 6259, 1 which amended the second degree child rape statute,2 is
unconstitutional because the bill violates the single- subject and subject -in -title requirements in
article II, section 19, of the Washington State Constitution. Thus, he argues that his convictions
and sentences for second degree child rape must be vacated and the charges dismissed with
prejudice. Haviland' s argument fails because section 903 of the bill, which specifically amended
RCW 9A.44. 076, does not violate the single- subject or subject -in -title requirements..
A. STANDARD OF REVIEW
We review allegations of constitutional violations de novo. State v. Lynch, 178 Wash. 2d 487,
491, 309 P.3d 482 (2013). A defendant may raise a " manifest error affecting a constitutional right"
for the first time on appeal. RAP 2. 5( a)( 3); State v. Robinson, 171 Wash. 2d 292, 304, 253 P.3d 84
2011). Courts presume that statutes are constitutional; a party challenging a " statute' s
constitutionality bears the heavy burden of establishing its unconstitutionality beyond a reasonable
doubt. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587 v. State, 142 Wash. 2d 183, 205, 11 P.3d 762, 27
P.3d 608 ( 2001); see State v. Hunley, 175 Wash. 2d 901, 908, 287 P.3d 584 ( 2012). This standard is
met when " argument and research show that there is no reasonable doubt that the statute violates
the constitution." Pierce County v. State, 159 Wash. 2d 16, 27, 148 P.3d 1002 ( 2006) ( citing Larson
v. Seattle Popular Monorail Auth., 156 Wash. 2d 752, 757, 131 P.3d 892 ( 2006)); Amalgamated
Transit, 142 Wash. 2d at 205.
1
LAWS OF 1990, ch. 3, § 903.
2 RCW 9A.44. 076
2
No. 45048 -8 -II
B. ARTICLE II, SECTION 19
Article II, section 19 of the Washington State Constitution provides that: "[ n] o bill shall
embrace more than one subject, and that shall be expressed in the title." Article II, section 19
established two specific requirements: ( 1) the single- subject rule, and ( 2) the subject -in -title rule.
State v. Stannard, 134 Wn. App. 828, 834, 142 P.3d 641 ( 2006) ( citing Citizens for Responsible
Wildlife Mgmt. v. State, 149 Wash. 2d 622, 632, 71 P.3d 644 ( 2003)).
1. Single- Subject Rule
Haviland argues that 2SSB 6259 violates the single- subject rule because it "covers a variety
of other general topics," unrelated to second degree rape of a child and that the various subjects .
contained in 2SSB 6259 have no rational unity. Br. of Appellant at 11. We disagree.
Article II, section 19 prohibits a bill from embracing more than one subject. " The single -
subject requirement seeks to prevent grouping of incompatible measures as well as pushing
through unpopular legislation by attaching it to popular or necessary legislation." Pierce County
v. State, 144 Wash. App. 783, 819, 185 P.3d 594 ( 2008).
The first step in analyzing whether the legislature violated " the single- subject requirement
is to determine whether the title of the bill is general or restrictive." State v. Alexander, Wn.
App. , 340 P.3d 247, 250 ( 2014), petition for review filed, No. 91174 -6 ( Wash. Jan. 5, 2015);
see Washington Ass 'n of Neigh. Stores v. State, 149 Wash. 2d 359, 368, 70 P.3d 920 ( 2003). "`` A
general title is broad, comprehensive, and generic, as opposed to a restrictive title that is specific
and narrow' and `` selects a particular part of a subject as the subject of the legislation.'" Alexander,
340 P.3d at 250 ( internal quotation marks and alteration omitted) ( quoting Pierce County, 144 Wn.
App. at 819 -20). " To be considered a general title, the title need not `` contain a general statement
3
No. 45048 -8 -II
of the subject of an act; a few well- chosen words, suggestive of the general subject stated, is all
3
that is necessary. "' On the other hand, " restrictive titles tend to deal with issues that are subsets
of an overarching subject." Pierce County, 144 Wash. App. at 820. If the bill has a general title, it
may constitutionally include all matters that are reasonably connected with it and all measures
that may facilitate the accomplishment of the purpose stated." Id. at 821.
The second step in analyzing the single- subject requirement is to determine the connection
between the general subject and the incidental subjects of the enactment. Alexander, 340 P.3d at
251; Pierce County, 144 Wn. App. at 821. " Where a general title is used, all that is required is
rational unity between the general subject and the incidental subjects." Amalgamated Transit, 142
Wash. 2d at 209; see Alexander, 340 P.3d at 251.
RCW 9A.44. 076, the second degree rape of a child statute, was amended in 1990 as part
4
of 2SSB 6259. The bill is titled, " Community Protection Act ": " AN ACT Relating to criminal
offenders." LAWS OF 1990, ch. 3, at 12. Haviland acknowledges that the title of the bill is general.
3
Alexander, 340 P.3d at 250 -51 ( quoting Amalgamated Transit, 142 Wn.2d at
alteration omitted) (
209); see Stannard, 134 Wash. App. at 836. See also Amalgamated Transit, 142 Wash. 2d at 209, 212,
216 ( holding that the title "[ s] hall voter approval be required for any tax increase, license tab fees
be $ 30 per year for motor vehicles, and existing vehicle taxes be repealed" was general because,
read as a whole, the title embraced the general topic of vehicle taxes); City ofBurien v. Kiga, 144
Wash. 2d 819, 825, 827, 31 P.3d 659 ( 2001) ( holding that the title "[ s] hall certain 1999 tax and fee
increases be nullified, vehicles exempted from property taxes, and property tax increases ( except
new construction) limited to 2 [ annually ?" was general because the entirety of the title
percent]
encompassed the general subject of tax relief); Citizens, 149 Wash. 2d at 632, 636 ( holding that the
title "[ s] hall it be a gross misdemeanor to capture an animal with certain body- gripping traps, or
to poison an animal with sodium fluoroacetate or sodium cyanide ?" was general because the
specific topics referenced in the title were " merely incidental to the general topic reflected in the
title[ —]a ban on methods of trapping and killing animals. ").
4
LAws OF 1990, ch. 3, § 903, at 96 -97.
4
No. 45048 -8 -II
Therefore, the question here is whether there is rational unity between the general subject and the
incidental subjects. Amalgamated Transit, 142 Wash. 2d at 209.
Haviland argues that the various subjects contained in 2SSB 6259 have no rational unity
and points to the distinct " general topics" amended in 2SSB 6259: ( 1) " the Juvenile Justice Act,"
2) " civil detention" statutes, ( 3) " compensation for crime victims" statutes, ( 4) " sex offender
treatment provider" statutes, ( 5) " civil commitment of sexually violent predators" statutes, ( 6)
background check" statutes, ( 7) " funding and grant" statutes, and ( 8) statutes concerning
treatment and supervision of parents" who have abused children. Br. of Appellant at 11 - 12.
According to Haviland, the bill violates the single -subject rule because it "covers a variety of other
general topics" unrelated to second degree child rape. Br. of Appellant at 11.
2SSB 6259 amended the second degree child rape statute from a Class B felony to a Class
5
A felony. This amendment is reasonably connected to the other subjects related to criminal
offenders because it creates a greater penalty for individuals who commit child rape. The subjects
addressed in the bill are reasonably connected to each other. (all are related to criminal offenses)
and to the bill' s title ( criminal offenders and community protection). This bill is not like those
where the Supreme Court found violations of the single- subject rule because there was no rational
unity among the matters included in the act. See e. g., Barde v. State, 90 Wash. 2d 470, 471 -72, 584
P.2d 390 ( 1978) ( where the Court held that an act that provided for criminal penalties for
dognapping and the recovery of attorney' s fees in some civil replevin actions lacked rational
unity).
5
LAws OF 1990, ch. 3, § 903, at 96 -97.
5
No. 45048 -8 -II
We hold that there is rational unity among the subjects in this bill. Haviland fails to prove
beyond a reasonable doubt that 2SSB 6259 violated the single- subject rule and his argument fails.
2. Subject -in -Title Rule
Haviland also argues that 2SSB 6259 violates the subject -in -title rule because it addresses
subjects not encompassed in its title. He contends that, because the bill " also amends and enacts
myriad statutes relating to juvenile offenders, civil commitment, treatment providers, employee
background checks, funding for community organizations, and help for crime victims," the bill
violates the subject -in -title rule. Br. of Appellant at 14. He further contends that enumerating
each RCW section does not cure this deficiency, and thus the entire act is unconstitutional. We
disagree.
Article II, section 19 requires that a bill' s title must state the subject of the bill: " No bill
shall embrace more than one subject, and that shall be expressed in the title." " This provision
ensures that the public has notice of the [ bill' s] contents." Stannard, 134 Wash. App. at 841 ( citing
Citizens, 149 Wash. 2d at 639). " This requirement is satisfied if the title of the act gives notice that
would lead to an inquiry into the body of the act or indicates the scope and purpose of the law to
an inquiring mind." Pierce County, 144 Wash. App. at 822. A title does not need to provide details
or an exhaustive index. Id. " Any objections to a title must be grave, and the conflict between it
and the constitution palpable, before we will hold an act unconstitutional for violating the subject-
in- title requirement." Pierce County, 144 Wash. App. at 822.
2SSB 6259, which amends RCW 9A.44. 076, is titled " Community Protection Act ": " AN
ACT Relating to criminal offenders." LAWS OF 1990, ch. 3, at 12. The title plainly notifies readers
that the bill' s contents relate to criminal offenders, and the bill enumerates the statutes it amends,
6
No. 45048 -8 - II
specifically stating that it amends RCW 9A.44. 076, the statute criminalizing second degree child
rape. LAWS OF 1990, ch. 3, at 12. All sections of the bill relate to the unified purpose of addressing
6
criminal offenders at all stages of the process. We hold that 2SSB 6259 does not violate
Washington Constitution article II, section 19' s single- subject or subject -in -title requirements.
A majority of the panel having determined that only the foregoing portion of this opinion will
be printed in the Washington Appellate Reports and that the remainder shall be filed for public record
in accordance with RCW 2. 06. 040, it is so ordered.
6 But even if we were to hold that any of the bill' s sections violate Washington Constitution article
II, section 19, this would not render the entire act invalid because invalid provisions may be
severable.
A legislative act is not unconstitutional in its entirety unless invalid provisions are
unseverable and it cannot be reasonably be believed that the legislative body would
have passed one without the other, or unless elimination of the invalid part would
render the remaining part useless to accomplish the legislative purposes.
Amalgamated Transit, 142 Wash. 2d at 227 -28.
Thus, Haviland' s argument also fails because section 903 of the bill, which specifically
amended RCW 9A.44. 076, does not violate the single- subject or subject -in -title requirements. The
amended section provides:
1) A person is guilty of rape of a child in the second degree when the person has
sexual intercourse with another who is at least twelve years old but less than
fourteen years old and not married to the perpetrator and the perpetrator is at least
thirty -six months older than the victim.
2) Rape of a child in the second degree is a class A felony.
LAws OF 1990, ch. 3, § 903, at 96 -97.
The plain language of section 903 relates to " criminal offenders" and sexual violence,
which also relate to the title and subject of 2SSB 6259. Thus, section 903 does not violate
Washington Constitution article II, section 19.
7
No. 45048 -8 -II
Haviland also argues that ( 1) the trial court erred by admitting testimony from the victim' s
friend and ( 2) his jury trial waiver was not valid. He also raises several issues in his Statement of
Additional Grounds ( SAG). We reject these arguments.
ADDITIONAL FACTS
I. SEXUAL ABUSE
David Christopher Haviland, R.H.' s7 father, began raping R.H. when she was about 13
years old. Before the first incident, R.H. and her friend, S. B., went to the outbuilding /shop on
Haviland' s property to ask Haviland for chewing tobacco. Haviland told R.H. and S. B. that "[ they]
would have to work for it." 2 Verbatim Report of Proceedings ( VRP) at 14, 72. Haviland told
S. B. to watch the door, and directed R.H. to a back room in the shop. Haviland then raped R.H.
and ejaculated on the floor of the shop. He then called S. B. into the back room of the shop and
made S. B. watch as he masturbated. Haviland raped R.H. on multiple occasions when she was 13
to 14 years old. The last sexual assault occurred in 2011.
In November 2012, R.H. told her mother about the abuse. The mother confronted Haviland
about R.H.' s allegations, and he responded, "[ I] t wasn' t that bad" and that " it was only like one
time." 1 VRP at 85 -86.
7
According to Division II' s General Order 2011 -1, we use initials to protect the juveniles' privacy.
8
No. 45048 -8 -II
II. PROCEDURAL HISTORY
The State charged Haviland with two counts of second degree child rape- domestic violence
counts I and II); and three counts of third degree child rape- domestic violence ( counts III, IV, and
V).8 The trial court held a hearing on the State' s motion to admit evidence, allowing the State to
introduce testimony from S. B. regarding her presence during the first instance of sexual abuse by
Haviland against R.H., after which the court entered findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Haviland presented the trial court with a written waiver of a jury trial, signed by him and
his attorney. The trial court conducted a colloquy with Haviland to discuss the jury trial waiver
and confirmed that Haviland understood his waiver; after which the judge signed the waiver.
After the bench trial, the trial court found Haviland guilty as charged,9 and sentenced him
to an exceptional sentence on the third degree child rape -domestic violence ( count V) totaling 340
months, consisting of concurrent 280 -month sentences each on counts I and II, and concurrent 60-
month sentences each on counts III, IV, and V, with his 60 -month sentences to be served
consecutively to his 280 -month sentences. The trial court stated that it made this decision because
some of Haviland' s current offenses would go unpunished due to his high offender score. Haviland
appealed his convictions and exceptional sentence.
8 These charges all related to R.H., not S. B.
9 Second degree child rape- domestic violence (counts I and II) and third degree child rape -domestic
violence ( counts III, IV, and V).
9
No. 45048 -8 -II
ANALYSIS
I. ADMISSIBILITY OF EVIDENCE
Haviland argues that the trial court improperly admitted S. B.' s testimony because it was
propensity evidence and used it to convict him, in violation of his due process rights under the
Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. He argues that the trial court erred in
admitting S. B.' s testimony under ER 401 and 402 that Haviland engaged in sexual misconduct
with S. B. on the day of his first offense against R. H.. He also asserts that the trial court applied
the wrong legal standard and, alternatively, admitted the evidence under two ER 404(b) exceptions
res gestae and common scheme or plan) that do not apply.
We review a trial court' s interpretation of an evidentiary rule de novo. State v. Gresham,
173 Wash. 2d 405, 419, 269 P.3d 207 ( 2012). If the trial court interpreted the rule correctly, then we
review the trial court' s ruling for an abuse of discretion. Gresham, 173 Wash. 2d at 419. A trial
court abuses its discretion when it makes a decision that is "' manifestly unreasonable or based on
untenable grounds. "' State v. Depaz, 165 Wash. 2d 842, 858, 204 P.3d 217 ( 2009) ( quoting State v.
Quismundo, 164 Wash. 2d 499, 504, 192 P.3d 342 ( 2008)).
We leave credibility determinations to the trier of fact" and do not review them on appeal.
State v. Grier, 168 Wn. App. 635, 644, 278 P.3d 225 ( 2012), cert. denied, 135 S. Ct. 153 ( 2014).
We " can affirm the trial court' s rulings on any grounds the record and the law support." Grier,
168 Wn. App. at 644. If we hold that a trial court' s evidentiary ruling is erroneous, we then
determine if that ruling was prejudicial. State v. Bourgeois, 133 Wash. 2d 389, 403, 945 P.2d 1120
1997). An error is prejudicial if "``within reasonable probabilities, the outcome of the trial would
10
No. 45048 -8 -II
have been materially affected had the error not occurred. ' Bourgeois, 133 Wash. 2d at 403 ( quoting
State v. Tharp, 96 Wash. 2d 591, 599, 637 P.2d 961 ( 1981)).
S. B.' s testimony was relevant under ER 401 and admissible under ER 402, and admissible
under a " common scheme or plan" exception under ER 404( b). The trial court did not abuse its
discretion in admitting S. B.' s testimony on these grounds.
A. Relevant Evidence
The trial court admitted S. B.' s testimony that Haviland engaged in sexual misconduct with
S. B. on the day of the first alleged offense against R.H. The trial court ruled that this evidence
was relevant under ER 401 and 402 as part of the events leading up to and culminating in the
sexual offense against R.H. The trial court concluded that S. B.' s testimony was relevant evidence
and could
properly be offered by the State to corroborate allegations of sexual abuse against
R.H.] because [ S. B.' s] observations [ were] so close in time and space to the alleged
sexual abuse that they [ did] not constitute prior bad acts and [ were] instead simply
corroborative observations of sexual misconduct generally.
Clerk' s Papers ( CP) at 3 ( Conclusion of Law (CL) 2. 5).
We hold that the evidence was relevant to show the context for Haviland' s course of action,
his method of concealing his misconduct, and the entirety of his criminal scheme. S. B.' s testimony
made the existence of Haviland' s misconduct against R.H. in the outbuilding /shop more probable
than it would have been without S. B.' s statements. Accordingly, it was relevant under ER 401
and admissible under ER 402, subject to a proper ER 403 balancing test which the trial court
conducted.
No. 45048 -8 -II
B. ER 404( b)
1. Evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts
Haviland challenges the trial court' s evidentiary ruling that S. B.' s testimony was
admissible under ER 404( b) as evidence under a " common scheme or plan." CP at 3 ( CL 2. 7).
He argues that S. B.' s testimony was not admissible under ER 404( b) to show a " common scheme
or plan" because the acts described in her testimony were unlike those alleged by R.H. Br. of
Appellant at 19 ( citing 1 VRP at 15 -31, 74 -75). The State argues that the trial court properly
admitted the evidence ( 1) . under ER 401 and 402; or alternatively, ( 2) S. B.' s testimony was
properly admitted under a " common scheme or plan" exception under ER 404( b), and ( 3) the trial
court conducted a proper ER 403 balancing test before admitting the evidence. We hold that the
trial court properly admitted S. B.' s testimony under ER 401 and 402 and also under a " common
scheme or plan" exception under ER 404(b).
Although ER 404( b) generally prohibits "[ e] vidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts ... to
prove the character of a person in order to show action in conformity therewith," evidence of
misconduct or other crimes is admissible when it " complete[ s] the crime story." ER 404( b); State
v. Hughes, 118 Wn. App. 713, 725, 77 P.3d 681 ( 2003); see State v. Mutchler, 53 Wash. App. 898,
901, 771 P.2d 1168 ( 1989). Such evidence must compose " inseparable parts of the whole deed or
criminal scheme." Mutchler, 53 Wn. App. at 901. The evidence remains inadmissible to show
that the accused has acted in conformity with his or her alleged bad character. Mutchler, 53 Wn.
App. at 901.
But misconduct evidence is admissible to demonstrate a " common scheme or plan" where
1) "`` several crimes constitute constituent parts of a plan in which each crime is but a piece of the
12
No. 45048 -8 -II
larger plan, ' or ( 2) "`` an individual devises a plan and uses it repeatedly to perpetrate separate but
very similar crimes. ' Gresham, 173 Wash. 2d at 421 -22 ( quoting State v. Lough, 125 Wash. 2d 847,
854 -55, 889 P.2d 487 ( 1995)). Prior to admitting ER 404( b) evidence, a trial court must conduct
a four -part test. State v. Gunderson, 181 Wash. 2d 916, 337 P.3d 1090, 1093 ( 2014). The trial court
must:
1) find by a preponderance of the evidence that the misconduct occurred, ( 2)
identify the purpose for which the evidence is sought to be introduced, ( 3)
determine whether the evidence is relevant to prove an element of the crime
charged, and ( 4) weigh the probative value against the prejudicial effect."
Gunderson, 181 Wash. 2d at 1094 ( quoting State v. Vy Thang, 145 Wash. 2d 630, 642, 41 P.3d 1159
2002)).
The trial court found that S. B.' s testimony of Haviland' s misconduct at the
outbuilding /shop corroborated " sexual misconduct generally" and was " admissible to show a
10
common scheme or plan. ' CP at 2 -3 ( CL 2. 4; 2. 5, 2. 7). We agree that the evidence is
admissible, but not under a res gestae exception as the trial court concluded, but rather under a
common scheme or plan" exception under ER 404( b). Because the instances of misconduct
against S. B. and R.H. were so similar in time, place, and action, we hold that S. B.' s testimony
made the existence of Haviland' s misconduct against R.H. in the outbuilding /shop more probable
10 The trial court found that S. B.' s testimony that she went to the outbuilding /shop, was told to act
as a lookout, then was called into the room where Haviland had sexually assaulted R.H., and
Haviland masturbated in front of S. B., was relevant under ER 401 and admissible under ER 402
and did not implicate a prior bad act because the acts were so close in time and space. The trial
court also ruled that, even if S. B.' s testimony could be considered ER 404( b) evidence, it was " still
admissible as res gestae evidence, as a " common scheme or plan" evidence, and any prejudice is
far outweighed by the probative value of the evidence." CP at 3 ( CL 2. 7).
13
No. 45048 -8 -II
than it would have been without S. B.' s statements; accordingly, the trial court properly admitted
S. B.' s testimony as relevant evidence under ER 401 and 402 and under a " common scheme or
plan" exception under ER 404( b).
2. ER 403
Haviland also argues that S. B.' s testimony unfairly prejudiced him under ER 403 and
should have been excluded. Because a trial court has considerable discretion in determining
whether the probative value of evidence is outweighed by its potential prejudice, we will find
reversible error " only in the exceptional circumstance of a manifest abuse of discretion." Carson
v. Fine, 123 Wash. 2d 206, 226, 867 P.2d 610 ( 1994). We presume that a trial court considers
evidence only for its proper purpose, and the danger of prejudice is reduced in a bench trial. State
v. Gower, 179 Wash. 2d 851, 855 -56, 321 P.3d 1178 ( 2014); State v. Jenkins, 53 Wash. App. 228, 236-
37, 766 P.2d 499 ( 1989).
After conducting a balancing test, the trial court ruled that S. B.' s testimony would be
introduced to corroborate R.H.' s version of events on the day of R.H.' s rape, and thus was relevant
to proving the elements of child rape. The trial court concluded that " any prejudice [ from S. B.' s
testimony was] far outweighed by the probative value of the evidence." CP at 3 ( CL 2. 7).
Although the testimony prejudiced Haviland, it was not unfairly prejudicial when balanced against
the highly probative nature of showing Haviland' s actions and his scheme for committing sexual
misconduct against R.H. We hold that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in concluding that
the evidence was relevant under ER 401, admissible under ER 402, and not unduly prejudicial
under ER 403.
14
No. 45048 -8 -II
II. JURY TRIAL WAIVER
Haviland next argues that the trial court erred by accepting his jury trial waiver without
first affirmatively establishing that Haviland understood all of his rights under article I, sections
21 and 22 of the Washington Constitution. He also argues that a felony criminal defendant cannot
waive his or her constitutional right to a jury trial. We disagree.
A criminal defendant has a constitutional right to a trial by jury. U.S. CONST. amend. VI;
WASH. CONST. art. I, §§ 21, 22; see State v. Williams -Walker, 167 Wash. 2d 889, 896, 225 P.3d 913
2010). The Washington State Constitution' s jury trial right is broader than the federal
constitution' s jury trial right. State v. Pierce, 134 Wash. App. 763, 770, 142 P.3d 610 ( 2006). Article
I, section 21 of the Washington State Constitution states that the " right of trial by jury shall remain
inviolate." Haviland appears to read this phrase to mean that a person can never waive a jury trial
when facing a felony charge. Haviland contends that jury waivers in felony cases violate article I,
sections 21 and 22 of the Washington Constitution. 11
Haviland is incorrect; a defendant can waive his or her right to a jury trial: "' The obligation
of the state is to assure a trial by a jury of twelve in a criminal case, and not to insist that an accused,
against his expressed desire, submit his cause to such a jury. "' State v. Stegall, 124 Wash. 2d 719,
11 Section 21 provides:
TRIAL BY JURY. The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate, but the
legislature may provide for a jury of any number less than twelve in courts not of
record, and for a verdict by nine or more jurors in civil cases in any court of record,
and for waiving of the jury in civil cases where the consent of the parties interested
is given thereto.
Section 22 provides, in part: " RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED. In criminal prosecutions the accused
shall have the right to appear and defend in person, or by counsel, ... to have a speedy public trial
by an impartial jury."
15
No. 45048 -8 -II
724, 881 P.2d 979 ( 1994) ( alteration omitted) ( quoting State v. Lane, 40 Wash. 2d 734, 737, 246 P.2d
474 ( 1952)). A felony defendant can validly waive his or her jury trial right as long as the
defendant "`` acts intelligently, voluntarily, [ and] free from improper influences. ' Stegall, 124
Wash. 2d at 725 ( quoting Lane, 40 Wash. 2d at 737) ( alteration in original). And we recently held that
Washington law allows a defendant to waive a jury trial," subject to a knowing, intentional, and
voluntary waiver. State v. Benitez, 175 Wash. App. 116, 127, 302 P.3d 877 (2013).
Haviland argues alternatively that his waiver in this case was not "`` voluntary, knowing,
and intelligent. ' Br. of Appellant at 36, 38 ( quoting State v. Hos, 154 Wash. App. 238, 250, 225
P.3d 389 ( 2010)). A defendant may waive a jury trial orally or by filing a written waiver. State v.
Ramirez- Dominguez, 140 Wn. App. 233, 240, 165 P.3d 391 ( 2007); State v. Donahue, 76 Wn.
App. 695, 697, 887 P.2d 485 ( 1995); CrR 6. 1( a). Compliance with CrR 6. 1( a) 12 constitutes strong
evidence of a validly waived right. Benitez, 175 Wash. App. at 128; Pierce, 134 Wash. App. at 771.
The record shows that Haviland signed a written jury trial waiver.13 And the trial court engaged
in an extensive colloquy with Haviland about his right to a jury trial after receiving Haviland' s
12 CrR 6. 1( a) requires criminal cases to be tried by a jury " unless the defendant files a written
waiver of a jury trial, and has consent of the court."
13 The waiver stated:
I am the defendant in the above named case and acknowledge that I have
been informed of my right to a jury trial in my case, and I understand that I may
waive this right. I have fully discussed this waiver with my attorney and I want to
waive my right to a jury trial in this matter.
I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE A RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL AND I
HEREBY WAIVE MY RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL, AND ASK THAT MY
CASE BE TRIED BEFORE A JUDGE WITHOUT A JURY.
Suppl. CP at 88.
16
No. 45048 -8 -II
written waiver, during which Haviland acknowledged the rights he forfeited and the risks he
14
acquired by submitting his waiver. The trial court accepted his waiver. We hold that Haviland
14 The trial court conducted the following colloquy with Haviland:
THE COURT: Mr. Haviland, I' ve been handed a waiver ofjury trial in this matter.
And again, just so we' re clear, we' re dealing with the original information, the
original five count information.
PROSECUTOR]: Yes.
THE COURT: So Mr. Haviland, you understand that you have a right to a jury
trial, to have this matter tried to a jury of 12 people?
MR. HAVILAND: Yes, Your Honor.
THE COURT: Do you understand that by signing this waiver of jury trial, you' re
giving that up and you' re agreeing that I would decide this case?
MR. HAVILAND: Yes, sir.
THE COURT: Do you understand that there can be some real advantages to having
this tried as a jury trial as opposed to a bench trial?
MR. HAVILAND: Yes, sir, I do.
THE COURT: You understand that in order for the State to obtain a conviction
with a jury trial they have to convince all 12 people beyond a reasonable doubt that
guilty of each of the charges? Do you understand that?
you' re
MR. HAVILAND: Yes, sir.
THE COURT: Do you understand that if you give that right up, then it' s just tried
to me and they only have to convince one person?
MR. HAVILAND: Yes, Your Honor.
THE COURT: You understand that difference?
MR. HAVILAND: Yes.
THE COURT: All right. Have you been threatened or pressured in any way to
sign this waiver?
MR. HAVILAND: No, sir.
THE COURT: All right. This is something that you' re doing voluntarily?
MR. HAVILAND: Yes, sir.
THE COURT: Do you feel like you have had sufficient time to talk to [ defense
counsel] to weigh all of the pros and the cons in this?
MR. HAVILAND: Yes, sir.
THE COURT: You' re sure this is what you want to do?
MR. HAVILAND: Yes.
VRP ( May 3, 2013) at 25 -27.
17
No. 45048 -8 -II
voluntarily, knowingly, and intelligently waived his jury trial right in writing. Hos, 154 Wash. App.
at 249. Accordingly, this argument fails.
III. SAG ARGUMENTS
Haviland also raises several additional grounds for review. He contends that the trial court
1) erred by imposing an exceptional sentence based upon his offender score; ( 2) erred when it
allowed the State to present an argument that Haviland was the source of a sexually transmitted
disease; ( 3) erred when it allowed testimony from the State' s witnesses after becoming aware that
the child' s advocate had communicated in -court witness testimony to State witnesses that had yet
to testify; and ( 4) committed " plain error" when it convicted him and imposed an exceptional
sentence. SAG at 8.
A. Exceptional Sentence
Haviland first contends that the trial court improperly imposed an exceptional sentence
based upon the "' Free Crimes' concept" by ordering him to serve his sentence on third .degree
child rape ( count V) consecutive to his sentences on his other counts. SAG at 1 But the trial court
imposed an exceptional sentence based on aggravating factors found by the court after Haviland
waived a jury trial. Under RCW 9. 94A.535, the trial court entered written findings of fact, stating
that "[ t]here are substantial and compelling reasons to impose an exceptional sentence ";
specifically, that Haviland " committed multiple current offenses and [ his] high offender score
results in some of the current offenses going unpunished." CP at 25 ( citing RCW
9. 94A. 535( 2)( c)).
Generally, a trial court must impose a sentence within the standard range." State v. Law,
18
No. 45048 -8 -II
154 Wash. 2d 85, 94, 110 P.3d 717 ( 2005); see RCW 9. 94A.505( 2)( a)( i). But the Sentencing Reform
Act, chapter 9. 94A RCW, permits departures from the standard range if the sentencing court
finds, considering the purpose of this chapter, that there are substantial and compelling reasons
justifying an exceptional sentence. "' Law, 154 Wash. 2d at 94 ( quoting former RCW 9. 94A. 120( 2)
2000), recodified as RCW 9. 94A.535).
To reverse an exceptional sentence, we must find: ( 1) " under a clearly erroneous standard,"
insufficient evidence in the record supports the sentencing court' s " reasons for imposing an
exceptional sentence; ( 2) under a de novo standard," the sentencing court' s reasons " do not justify
a departure from the standard range; or ( 3) under an abuse of discretion standard, the sentence is
clearly excessive or clearly too lenient." State v. France, 176 Wash. App. 463, 469, 308 P.3d 812
2013), review denied, 179 Wash. 2d 1015 ( 2014). Because Haviland challenges the trial court' s
reasons for imposing an exceptional sentence, we review the exceptional sentence de novo.
France, 176 Wash. App. at 469.
RCW 9. 94A.535( 2) sets forth aggravating factors that a court may consider when imposing
an exceptional sentence upwards outside the scope of the standard range. Law, 154 Wash. 2d at 95
n. 6. The statute provides that "[ t] he trial court may impose an aggravated exceptional sentence
without a finding of fact by a jury under the following circumstances:... ( c) The defendant has
committed multiple current offenses and the defendant' s high offender score results in some of the
current offenses going unpunished." RCW 9. 94A. 535( 2). Thus, the trial court made an
appropriate written finding of fact justifying its departure from the standard range. RCW
9. 94A. 535( 2)( c). We reject Haviland' s assertion and affirm his exceptional sentence.
19
No. 45048 -8 -II
B. Sexually Transmitted Disease
Haviland next contends that the trial court erred when it allowed the State to argue or
infer" during cross -examination that he transmitted chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease, to
R.H., the victim. SAG at 4. He contends that the trial court ( 1) violated his " Sixth Amendment
right to confront ' because he never had an opportunity to object to the State' s allegations, and
2) violated the rules of evidence by admitting statements by S. B. that were more prejudicial than
probative. SAG at 4.
At trial, the State presented evidence that Haviland was infected with chlamydia at the time
that he had sex with R.H. and that he gave chlamydia to R.H.. Haviland did not object to this
evidence; rather, at trial he attempted to rebut the State' s argument by alleging that R.H. was
sexually promiscuous in the community. By failing to object at trial, Haviland waives this issue
on appeal. In re Det. of Post, 145 Wn. App. 728, 755 -56, 187 P.3d 803 ( 2008) ( a party who fails
to object to the admissibility of evidence may not raise the issue on appeal).
C. Witness Tampering
Haviland next contends that the trial court erred when it allowed testimony from State
witnesses that he alleges were " tampered" by another State witness, the child advocate. SAG at
6. He refers to an incident during trial where some of the testimony was communicated to State
witnesses. He relies on the following colloquy during trial:
There' s one other thing I wanted to address. Some of the witnesses that
COURT]:
me— they' re sitting out in the hallway —that some man in the
I had yesterday told
courtroom yesterday was getting up, leaving and going and telling the state' s
witnesses what the testimony is. So I brought this to the prosecutor' s attention, but
that obviously needs to stop if it is going on.
PROSECUTOR]: I wasn' t aware of it. I agree it would need to stop. Thankfully
there were no State witnesses yesterday. But I will address that with them.
20
No. 45048 -8 -II
3VRPat216.
Haviland did not object at trial or request any corrective action by the trial court. Because
he failed to object at trial, Haviland has waived this issue on appeal. Post, 145 Wash. App. at 755-
56.
D. Plain Error
Finally, Haviland contends that each of the three arguments he raised in his SAG constitute
plain error," and therefore, we may review these arguments for the first time on appeal. SAG at
8. He cites federal case law for this rule, but the substance of his argument appears to rely on RAP
2. 5( a), which permits the appellate court to review a " manifest error affecting a constitutional
right" for the first time on appeal. See SAG at 8. Because none of Haviland' s SAG assertions
demonstrate that the trial court committed error, we reject them and affirm his convictions and
sentences.
We affirm Haviland' s convictions for second degree and third degree child rape, as well as
his exceptional sentence.
941144/ Tnei
Sutton, J.
We concur:
21